In the wake of a budget engagement process with residents, the City of Hamilton has identified infrastructure renewal and road conditions as top priorities.
Among these priorities is the almost six-kilometre Main Street two-way traffic conversion project. The revamp is designed to include two eastbound lanes, one westbound lane, bike lanes and on-street parking to slow traffic and improve pedestrian safety.
As part of the city’s broader $622 million infrastructure program, Hamilton will invest approximately $150 million in both immediate and long-term renewal. Of that, $106.1 million will be dedicated specifically to renewing and replacing existing roads, bridges and sidewalks.
The City of Hamilton maintains 6,500 lane kilometres of roads, along with sidewalks, bridges, street lighting and related infrastructure. These infrastructure elements are reportedly inspected regularly to help identify cracks, potholes and other maintenance needs so repairs can be completed.
“Maintaining safe and reliable roads is one of the city’s most important responsibilities and requires careful planning,” said Marnie Cluckie, city manager. “This investment allows us to address immediate repair needs while continuing the long-term renewal of Hamilton’s transportation network. Strategic maintenance and rehabilitation help extend the life of our infrastructure and ensure residents can move safely and efficiently across the city.”
The aforementioned Main Street two-way traffic and rehabilitation project runs from Dundurn Street to the Delta intersection.
The total budgeted $28.5 million project cost, of which $13.3 million has been budgeted for 2026, has been accelerated to ideally reduce high-collision rates and improve accessibility.
The conversion project is also being planned to co-ordinate with upcoming LRT construction on King Street and is expected to take up to two years to complete.
Other notable 2026 roads and transportation projects include:
Reconstruction and rehabilitation projects:
- Nebo Road – Rymal Road East to Twenty Road East: new sidewalks and a multi-use path.
- Mountain Park Avenue Phase Two – Poplar Avenue to Bridge over Sherman Access and Mountain Brow Trail enhancements. A modernized roadway with active transportation facilities and watermain replacement.
- Sherman Cut – steel wall replacement and road resurfacing.
Resurfacing projects:
- Barton Street East – Kenilworth Avenue to Emerald Street.
- Charlton Avenue East – John Street S. to James Street S.
- James Street S. – Charlton Avenue East to St. James Place.
- Charlton Avenue West – Queen St. to James St.
- King Street East – Pottruff Road to Centennial Parkway.
- Scenic Drive – Chateau Court to Goulding Avenue. Work includes road reconstruction with active transportation facilities and storm and watermain replacements.
City of Hamilton officials say once construction schedules are finalized, additional details and project timelines will be provided.
In addressing pavement deterioration, a reported key cause is fluctuation in temperature.
“Winter weather and freeze–thaw cycles place significant stress on pavement, accelerating surface deterioration and increasing repair needs. As Hamilton grows, demand on roads, bridges and sidewalks continues to increase,” explained a news release.
It goes on to outline, on average, the city completes between 70,000 and 90,000 road repairs each year. Potholes are repaired year-round and during winter months crews use materials designed for cold and wet conditions to address roadway surface issues.
“Each spring, as temperatures stabilize and more potholes are revealed, the city initiates its extended pothole repair program, where crews undertake a proactive and concentrated effort to repair roadways impacted by winter weather,” the release states.
Roads and transportation infrastructure make up one of the largest areas of municipal spending. On average, Hamilton spends approximately $3.5 million per year repairing potholes.
“This is about fixing what needs fixing, potholes, extending the life of our infrastructure, and making sure people can move around our city safely and efficiently,” said City of Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath.
In addition to the $106 million for road repair and renewal, in the city’s $622 million in infrastructure investment, it has also budged for:
- Continued investment in growth-enabling roads projects ($17.4 million). Examples include Arvin Avenue (McNeilly Road to Lewis Road), Garner Road (Highway 6 to Glancaster Road) and Fletcher Road (Binbrook Road to Enbridge Corridor).
- Transit investments supporting new and replacement buses, facility improvements and reliable service ($116.3 million).
- Investments in the upkeep and renewal of Hamilton Public Library facilities and two new electric Bookmobiles ($3.2 million).
